Aggregation and Incipient Agglomeration in Metallized Solid Propellants and Solid Fuels for Rocket Propulsion

Metal fuels are commonly used as high-energy ingredients in both solid and hybrid rocket propulsion systems. However, aggregation and agglomeration effects can sensibly modify ballistic properties and anyhow reduce the delivered specific impulse with respect to the computed ideal value. A survey of possible effects is offered, indicating widely different flame structures. A good understanding of the relevant burning phenomena opens the way to improved system performance by reducing combustion and gasdynamic expansion losses.

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